Karanka accuses Clarets of long ball tactics in stalemate

Chris Boden

Aitor Karanka felt “long ball” football from Burnley earned the Clarets a point against Middlesbrough.

The Spaniard, who directed a number of barbs Sean Dyche’s way ahead of the game, was disappointed to concede an injury time equaliser to Michael Keane after Jordan Rhodes’ opener 20 minutes from time, and said: “They scored because they decided to play long balls and it’s difficult to understand with that squad to play long balls.

They scored because they decided to play long balls

Aitor Karanka

“That’s their style and it’s been good for them.

“If you look at the games where we scored against Reading and Bolton we try to play always football. “It’s my decision, my style and I am really proud of all of them.

“When we lose, we lose with our style; when we win, we win with our style.

“The way we scored those goals, we always try to play good football and to arrive in the box playing football; they played just with long balls, that’s the difference.”

He added: “It’s football; we scored two goals in the last minute against Reading and against Bolton - today they scored.

“We had our chances to score the second and the third and with George (Friend) and Gaston (Ramirez)’s injuries I had to make substitutions. “The game was under control for us.”

Karanka wasn’t concerned whether the point was better for Burnley or Boro: “I don’t care about other teams. My team is doing an amazing season, we are top of the table with three fixtures to go.

“I don’t know if we are going to get promotion but I’m really proud of all of them. As a coach, you can’t be prouder than I am now.”